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Peoples column

People’s column

Reservoir is important resource Editor, OBSERVER: The people need to understand that the Village of Fredonia water system is an asset that they all are shareholders of and that they, by state Constitution, have the right to benefit from the reasonable rate of return from outside water sales. With proper oversight that can be reality. But three trustees took that away from the nearly 10,000 residents on Dec. 26. Water is more and more becoming a valuable commodity. Many people sacrificed and worked hard at great cost to establish a quality fresh water village-owned system. The ...

People’s column

Credit student for comments Editor, OBSERVER: As a high school student newspaper adviser for many years, I have always appreciated the support of our local paper, the OBSERVER, and its editor, John D’Agostino. Stories about student awards and conferences, as well as assistance with student press events helped build our programs. Therefore, I was stunned to read the front page story in the Jan. 10 issue. In the story, which attempted to cover the Fredonia Village Board meeting, the article noted: “Ray Dai, a teen who said he was a reporter for the Spectator, the Fredonia High ...

Sheridan offers open invitation

Editor, OBSERVER: In my comings and goings around town here in Sheridan I hear all sorts of rumors, half-truths, and outright false information. I would ask that anyone wishing to know factually what the Town Board is doing or not doing to attend the board meetings which are held the second Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. in the town community building. Bring your concerns, comments, and ideas. JOSEPH WHITE, Sheridan

People’s Column

A battle over ‘Merry Christmas’ Editor, OBSERVER: The “war on Christmas” is not a figment of the imagination. It’s a real battle for the soul of America. When we say “Merry Christmas,” we’re not just uttering a holiday greeting; we’re affirming our heritage, our culture, and our faith. This isn’t about excluding others; it’s about preserving a fundamental aspect of our national identity. This isn’t just a war on Christmas; it’s a war on the traditional American way of life. It’s a war against the principles of freedom of expression and religious ...

Making a shift to cleaner energy

Editor, OBSERVER: Recent polling shows 70% to 80% of Americans not only support renewable energy projects, but also approve the siting of them in their communities. So what are we to make of the Arkwright lawsuit against the Summit Wind Farm article (Oct. 3)? Readers of this paper should be skeptical about the merits of the suit. Wind power is now an element of the culture wars. The citizens’ group bringing the suit is just one of many popping up across the country to oppose the transition to a renewable energy economy. Yet the connection these groups have to fossil-fuel funded ...

People’s column

Ungrateful officials hurt village festivals Editor, OBSERVER: Recently, in your Sept. 27 edition, there was an article concerning the Silver Creek Festival of Grapes. Village leaders there expressed joy and commendation for the festival committee and participants. Nonetheless, not so in Fredonia where village officials exhibit disdain toward festivals with most resentment directed against the highly successful Farm Festival, which apparently has celebrated its last event following decades of exuberant participation by all but the village government. It’s hopeful that with the ...